How bad is it to always use swivels?

[The Rooster]

I'm thinking of trying the snaps this year to help with speed of changing a lure.  Until now I've never used it, always tied directly to every lure I put on.

However, on occasion, I have used a swivel, and only the ball bearing type, to try to prevent line twist.  I've never noticed the slightest bit of difference using it.  The line still twisted like crazy on an inline spinner tied to spinning reel/rod line, swivel or not.  So, I said forget them, the line will twist just the same either way.

[Hamby]

I know a knot that I can tie in 5-10 seconds. With mono, it's all i use. Anything else gets a palomar knot. I'm pretty sure i recognized it on here not too long ago, but that exbassguide guy on youtube also put up a video of it. My dad taught me the knot several years ago, and said that Jimmy Houston showed it on TV many years ago. It's an extremely simple knot, and i'm surprised many don't know of it. Very simple knot in any conditions.

I'll find the video.

[Hamby]

[Stasher1]

Here's Alton Jones tying the same knot...

[lsbass]

I always use a reverse clinch knot when using crankbaits or anything fast moving. Am I missing out on anything besides being able to change my lure faster?

[J Francho]

Here's Alton Jones tying the same knot...

That's pretty similar to the knot I use for spinnerbaits.  I tie it just about as fast.  Works fine with CXX or regular mono, but not braid or fluoro.  Nice to know when you're changing spinnerbaits a lot.

[dodgeguy]

While we are on snaps is anyone using Berkley cross locks? I started using them on moving baits and like them alot..

i use them with everything.

[BrASSmonkey]

Looks like a San Diego Jam knot to me.

http://www.netknots.com/html/san_diego_jam_knot.html

[Hamby]

Meh, i don't really care what it's called. I only suggested it because some were talking about how much quicker it is to use a swivel to switch. If you have some line cutters on hand, that knot doesn't take much longer.

But thanks for that link anyways.

[Stasher1]

Looks like a San Diego Jam knot to me.

http://www.netknots.com/html/san_diego_jam_knot.html

It's similar, but the tag end on the SDJ goes back thru the loop formed at the lure before going thru the loop at the other end, where the reverse clinch does not.

[Aluma-Bass]

no snaps or swivels!! those are for noobs!  ;D

[OnthePotomac]

After reading all of the above, this chart may be of value.

USE SWIVELS ON

Carolina rigs

Fluke rigs

In line spinners (If line

twist occurs)

USE SNAP SWIVELS OR

SWIVELS ON

Standard Spoons

Mepps Syclops

TIE DIRECT TO

Buzz  baits

Chuggers (or split ring/duolock)

Jigs

Frogs/rats

Prop baits

Spinner baits

Stick baits (i.e.Zara Spook)

Tail spinners

Weedless spoons

Weight forward spinners

TIE TO SPLIT RING OR

DUOLOCK  SNAP

Crank baits

Lipless crank baits

Jerk baits

Blade baits

Jigging spoons*

* Swivel if desired

[DeBassin619]

I use to fish with a guy that all he used were swivel snaps and all he fished with was Inlinespinners and little laker panfish type soft plastics w/ a bulldog spiltshot rig/setup .

He sure did haul in some lunkers for my state with those two techniques.

I find the size you use definetly affects the action of your bait. If you wanna fish a lot of lures quickly and have them close/available, its a good method to try. Find the smallest available size and work your way up.

Theres nothing more frustrating than having to retie a knot when you haven't threaded it properly, line snaps or your changing lures a lot.

If it's an issue of breakage: I'd worry more about being able to locate fish first and let alone, get them to bite.

[figure8racer]

Ok. I'm fairly new to the idea of using snaps on my crankbaits/jerkbaits because I always assumed it would kill the action of my bait. After reading these posts I see that I was obviously incorrect in this assumption and since I have sausage fingers with limited dexterity it takes me longer than most to tie a knot so I'm pumped to give it a shot. Is there a general consensus that I should remobve the snap ring on my crankbaits/jerkbaits so they don't become unbalanced? Especially my suspending baits? Also could I use snaps on my frogs and zara spook type baits as well? This would make it a lot easier for me to utilize the 4 decent combos I have rather than add additional subpar equipment to my lineup. Thanks.